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Post by jacobamerritt on Dec 27, 2019 18:18:13 GMT -6
For a few years Ive been eyeing Telefunken microphones (Alchemy Series)... The fact that the capsules are apparently miscellaneous Chinese stock bugs me, especially at the price point. But of course there are so many other important factors to consider... Basically I am trying to figure out how much of the price is markup for a cool logo, and if there are other mics in the 1.5k range (or less) that perform better? So many options these days- Advanced Audio, Warm, 3U, Pearlman, Roswell, Peluso, etc etc.
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Post by drbill on Dec 27, 2019 18:23:16 GMT -6
After their rebranding stock Chinese stuff without changing a thing, then putting their name on it a few years ago, I'll probably never buy one. I MIGHT buy a high end Tele, but even then, I think there are better and more inexpensive options out there.
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Post by jacobamerritt on Dec 27, 2019 18:28:34 GMT -6
After their rebranding stock Chinese stuff without changing a thing, then putting their name on it a few years ago, I'll probably never buy one. I MIGHT buy a high end Tele, but even then, I think there are better and more inexpensive options out there. In their defense that was definitely more than a few years ago... Basically rebranded Apex, and they did what they could to make that right if I recall - The new products are certainly much better than that, and are at least assembled in the USA with much more transparency about sourcing of parts etc.
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Post by Blackdawg on Dec 27, 2019 19:33:14 GMT -6
I've use the CU-29 copperhead a few times. It's a nice mic actually. But I don't think you can get it anymore now that the TF series is out.
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Post by jacobamerritt on Dec 27, 2019 20:00:39 GMT -6
I've use the CU-29 copperhead a few times. It's a nice mic actually. But I don't think you can get it anymore now that the TF series is out. They still make it, its now called the TF-29. They also have a multi-pattern version now.
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Post by drbill on Dec 27, 2019 20:54:26 GMT -6
After their rebranding stock Chinese stuff without changing a thing, then putting their name on it a few years ago, I'll probably never buy one. I MIGHT buy a high end Tele, but even then, I think there are better and more inexpensive options out there. In their defense that was definitely more than a few years ago.... Some folks have good memories... Has their ownership changed? Just wondering....
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Post by hadaja on Dec 27, 2019 22:33:53 GMT -6
Yeah something as big as that scenario you will always remember . It would make me think twice buying there range. Like someone else said plenty of other options and other people to support like Chad Kelly’s custom stuff.
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Post by chessparov on Dec 27, 2019 22:59:53 GMT -6
Soundelux line of Bock, is another excellent value too.
EDIT: Should have added I'd buy a Bock 67 or 47, before a premium T-Funk too... Chris
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Post by jamiesego on Dec 27, 2019 23:03:52 GMT -6
I’m really surprised they were able to come back from that. I remember seeing that debacle on GS.
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Post by saltyjames on Dec 28, 2019 9:37:23 GMT -6
Lust is a powerful drug.
Bock Flea Vintage Neumann Soyuz AKG 414
I have a modded Apex 460 by JJAudio. They are Dutch mics with TC12's and GE tubes. They are excellent. Like I could use them for everything. If I would of bought one of the Tele chinese unmodded Apex rebranded mics I would have felt pretty cheated. But really, the best part of that whole thing is that people still defended them (I guess because they really want that Tele badge - and lust is a powerful drug). THEN of course Tele used that as a business model. (Most of their mic parts are made super cheap, even their more expensive models. Though these are super high quality mics in their own right.) Even the mid priced M260 has low cost Far East capsules. I would guess the most expensive parts of these mics are the paint job and accessories. I would bet dollars to doughnuts the accessories cost more than the capsule and guts put together. They know people really just want the look and the name and are hoping the sound is "in the ballpark". Which, in all honesty, they are. These are great sounding mics still. I haven't tried them all, but what I have heard is great.
Still, if someone gave me a new Telefunken I would sell it and get either a classic mic or a banging new one with a super reputable company: Bock, Flea, AEA, Neumann, Soyuz, JJAudio etc. I mean, Come on! Bock, Flea, and JJ will voice your mic for you!!
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Post by yotonic on Dec 28, 2019 18:19:57 GMT -6
I had the Telefunken reissue 47 for a while. It was a nice mic but I wound up buying an Andreas Grosser Voxorama from Round Badge that was better. I'm using a Bock 47 right now which isn't a vintage type vibe at all but I really like it. Took a while to get the right chain for it.
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Post by hadaja on Dec 29, 2019 3:08:41 GMT -6
Yotonic - what chain do,you use for the Voxorama 47 and what chain do you use for Bock 47? Be interesting to know the difference. Thanks
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Post by yotonic on Dec 29, 2019 10:11:27 GMT -6
Yotonic - what chain do,you use for the Voxorama 47 and what chain do you use for Bock 47? Be interesting to know the difference. Thanks The Voxorama plays nice with everything and had an M7 capsule. My favorite preamp with it was a JM-130 from JMK Audio which is sort of a cross between API and Hardy. The Bock 47 has a proprietary capsule in it that David makes and the Neve 1073 is really the only thing I've found I like it through. The Bock is quite forward and modern sounding in comparison to the Voxorama which had more of a vintage Neumann vibe.
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Post by adamjbrass on Dec 31, 2019 9:45:55 GMT -6
I have a TF-47 demo here if you might want to try it out.
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Post by iamasound on Dec 31, 2019 13:34:10 GMT -6
I've use the CU-29 copperhead a few times. It's a nice mic actually. But I don't think you can get it anymore now that the TF series is out. That was my favorite mic of the series.
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Post by chessparov on Dec 31, 2019 14:44:47 GMT -6
TF47/TF51/CU29 all sounded excellent, when I sang/tested them. AFIAK TF51 was intended to have a 251/C12 hybrid vibe. Chris
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Post by Vincent R. on Dec 31, 2019 17:52:42 GMT -6
I will openly admit I’ve been seriously considering a pair of ELA M260s for a while now.
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Post by voliviavv on Mar 2, 2021 13:08:36 GMT -6
These are good microphones but I think the price for them is a bit too high. Recently I wanted to buy a new microphone but didn`t know where. I found one store through the reviews one site I`m very happy with the new purchase and I think this microphone is better than new Telefunken
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Post by srb on Mar 2, 2021 23:14:56 GMT -6
I will openly admit I’ve been seriously considering a pair of ELA M260s for a while now. Yeah, me too. I've got the M60 Master Stereo set and I like them. I'm in a bit of a tube fetish here lately. The ELAM 260 tri-mono set is what I'd really like. But I've been somewhat dissuaded just in the last couple days since I found out they changed the PSU. The better one is now an upgrade...another ~$500.
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Post by svart on Mar 3, 2021 8:45:47 GMT -6
After their rebranding stock Chinese stuff without changing a thing, then putting their name on it a few years ago, I'll probably never buy one. I MIGHT buy a high end Tele, but even then, I think there are better and more inexpensive options out there. In their defense that was definitely more than a few years ago... Basically rebranded Apex, and they did what they could to make that right if I recall - The new products are certainly much better than that, and are at least assembled in the USA with much more transparency about sourcing of parts etc. If you remember, they tried to cover it up at first. They threatened at least one reviewer and tried to have a couple more posts and things taken down before the noise got loud enough that they pivoted from offense to defense. They then tried to play the "but we used premium parts!" but that was also proven false. They then came clean and created the MK2 versions of the 2 or 3 mics that were OEM'd and THOSE are the ones they started becoming a little more transparent about.. Until a little while later when someone found that their 1000$ VF14 tube replacement is just a 5$ triode that was identified by DIY groups before Telefunken started selling them..
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Post by plinker on Mar 3, 2021 8:55:00 GMT -6
If you remember, they tried to cover it up at first. They threatened at least one reviewer and tried to have a couple more posts and things taken down before the noise got loud enough that they pivoted from offense to defense. They then tried to play the "but we used premium parts!" but that was also proven false. They then came clean and created the MK2 versions of the 2 or 3 mics that were OEM'd and THOSE are the ones they started becoming a little more transparent about.. Until a little while later when someone found that their 1000$ VF14 tube replacement is just a 5$ triode that was identified by DIY groups before Telefunken started selling them.. Regarding those first mics -- I thought they claimed that the Asian manufacturer (Apex, or whoever) ripped-off their design and was selling behind T-Funk's back.
Was there ever resolution of that? Who ripped-off whom??
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Post by svart on Mar 3, 2021 10:21:24 GMT -6
If you remember, they tried to cover it up at first. They threatened at least one reviewer and tried to have a couple more posts and things taken down before the noise got loud enough that they pivoted from offense to defense. They then tried to play the "but we used premium parts!" but that was also proven false. They then came clean and created the MK2 versions of the 2 or 3 mics that were OEM'd and THOSE are the ones they started becoming a little more transparent about.. Until a little while later when someone found that their 1000$ VF14 tube replacement is just a 5$ triode that was identified by DIY groups before Telefunken started selling them.. Regarding those first mics -- I thought they claimed that the Asian manufacturer (Apex, or whoever) ripped-off their design and was selling behind T-Funk's back.
Was there ever resolution of that? Who ripped-off whom??
I hadn't seen that claim, but they did try a lot of blame-shifting at the time so it wouldn't surprise me if they said it. The apex 460 and other OEM mics came out a couple years prior anyway.
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Post by plinker on Mar 3, 2021 12:39:25 GMT -6
I hadn't seen that claim, but they did try a lot of blame-shifting at the time so it wouldn't surprise me if they said it. The apex 460 and other OEM mics came out a couple years prior anyway. Ahh...good info!
If they came out a few months prior to TFunk release, then I might accept the "It was stolen from us". However, 2 years sounds more like "We stole it from them."
Ain't nobody got time fo dat!
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Post by svart on Mar 3, 2021 12:48:06 GMT -6
I hadn't seen that claim, but they did try a lot of blame-shifting at the time so it wouldn't surprise me if they said it. The apex 460 and other OEM mics came out a couple years prior anyway. Ahh...good info!
If they came out a few months prior to TFunk release, then I might accept the "It was stolen from us". However, 2 years sounds more like "We stole it from them."
Ain't nobody got time fo dat!
There's a company in china that manufactures these mics and various companies buy them and rebrand them as their own. They literally have a catalog you can pick your mic body, headbasket, the finish, the box, etc. You check it off a list and buy a minimum amount of them and they produce them for you. So tele didn't steal anything, but they did have this company alter the product to meet their color scheme, etc.
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Post by Ward on Mar 3, 2021 13:08:04 GMT -6
I've use the CU-29 copperhead a few times. It's a nice mic actually. But I don't think you can get it anymore now that the TF series is out. I still have and use my Copperhead whenever I need that kinda of gritty detailed mic. I love it.
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